SKOKIE, Ill. – The Mitsubishi Cement Corporation (MCC) cement plant in Lucerne Valley, California, received the Outreach Award from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine as part of the 2014 Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards. The Outreach award recognizes facilities that strive to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs.

The plant participated in and initiated a number of outreach activities over the course of 2013 including a STEM Education tour featuring the importance of science, technology and math education. Employees presented to “at-risk” students from Big Bear High School on how they use basic disciplines to do their jobs and solve problems.

The Mitsubishi Cement Corporation also contributed more than $60,000 directly to local schools and more than $200,000 to other local charities through fundraisers, events and tours. During 2013 there were 16 tours totaling 226 people, the largest were from local schools. Mitsubishi Cement Corporation accepted more than 2 million waste tires, which were utilized as alternate fuel. MCC employees also participated in the Lucerne Valley July 4th parade, Tour de Big Bear bicycle ride, Lucerne Valley Tailgate Trick-or-Treat event and the “Ride in the Rocks” fundraiser for MCC Educational Foundation.

The Energy & Environmental Awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants go beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes contribute to making their communities better places to live and work. Five categories are recognized: outreach, environmental performance, land stewardship, innovation, and energy efficiency. Additionally, PCA presents a special honor to a plant demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

The award program was created in 2000 by the PCA as part of its environment and energy strategic plan for the U.S. cement industry. The awards honor activities conducted during the previous calendar year, and the program is open to any cement manufacturing plant in North America. Judges for the 2014 awards Program included representatives from U.S. EPA-ENERGY STAR, Wildlife Habitat Council, U.S. Geological Survey, World Wildlife Fund, and Cement Americas.

About PCA
Based in Washington, D.C., with offices in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.